My name is E-man Clarke.
I became a member of Paradise Garage at 16 because I looked older than I was. That club changed my life.
A few years later, while working at the FBI, I heard about a new club opening on West 27th Street—The Sound Factory. People believed it had the potential to become the next Paradise Garage.
A friend and I applied for coat check. During the interview, owner Richard Grant said he had only one opening. I told him to hire my friend because he was the one who brought me there. Richard hired us both.
I treated every job as an opportunity. Each week, I'd bring Richard a folder of ideas—ways to improve the club and avoid problems. My ideas proved themselves, and I moved from coat check to the bar, the door, assistant manager, and eventually manager.
The owners saw my potential before I did. The Sound Factory became my education.
I worked alongside legends like Junior Vasquez and Frankie Knuckles, met countless celebrities, approved every flyer, and became the voice of the club's weekly hotline.
I always signed off the same way:
"This is E-Man, For everyone here at The Sound Factory, have a safe and satisfying week—and we'll see you at the party."
Managing one of the world's greatest nightclubs as a young Black man opened doors for me throughout the industry, including opportunities with Peter Gatien and other legendary venues. People trusted my judgment as much as my integrity.
My greatest reward was never the paycheck—it was seeing thousands of people have an unforgettable time.
Today, as so many legendary clubs hold reunions, I'd love to see a true Sound Factory and Sound Factory Bar reunion. It deserves its place in nightlife history.
#SoundFactory #soundfactorynyc #SoundFactoryBar
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